HHS 2012 Distinguished Alumni are Gartmann Hawkinson and George Thompson

A former state attorney general and well-known area historian will join the ranks of Hudson High School alumni on the building’s Wall of Fame.

At a ceremony and dinner held in their honor, the late George G. Thompson, Class of 1936, and Nancy Gartmann Hawkinson, became the 45th and 46th HHS graduates to be so honored.

Gartmann Hawkinson had a career of more than 40 years in data processing and information technology support for State Farm Insurance. In addition, she dedicated many hours volunteering, indexing and preserving community history, sharing her organizational skills with others who are searching for their ancestral roots.

In retirement, Hawkinson continues to work on behalf of the community. As an original member of the library “History Room” committee, she has helped secure grants that have allowed for its advancement and continuation for future generations. She is a charter member of the St. Croix Valley Genealogical Society, serving as a board member and as editor of their “PIPOST” digest for 27 years.

More recently, Hawkinson was instrumental in publishing Willis Miller’s Hudson Area Biographical Index as a searchable digital resource with more than 56,000 entries along with other indexes and research aids.

Hawkinson continues to donate her time to the St. Croix County Historical Society answering research questions and working on collection development. She is also active on the boards of several Norwegian groups for descendants of Norway.

Members of her family were on hand to see her receive the award.

Thompson had a distinguished career as a lawyer serving as the district attorney of La Crosse County and at Wisconsin State Attorney General from 1963-1965.

He went on to an equally as distinguished career as an educator in several law schools and was admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court. He was chosen one of the Outstanding Educators of America in 1972.

He died 1982 after a three-year battle with cancer. No one from his family could be contacted to attend the ceremony.

Thompson was initially nominated for the award by childhood and lifelong friend, as well as fellow alumni award-winner, the late Willis Miller.

Tags: education, people, hudson